- Manchester United has strengthened midfield under Michael Carrick, but key areas still need attention before the transfer window closes.
Carrick's first transfer window takes shape
Manchester United entered the 2026 summer transfer window with a clear objective: recruit players who could make an immediate impact rather than investing heavily in long-term projects.
In the last season they sacked Ruben Amorim on January 5, 2026, after 14 months in charge, but Michael Carrick took over the team and helped them to finish in third position in the league and qualify for the Champions League. Once the club had secured qualification for the Champions League, it then acted swiftly in the transfer market, reinforcing the positions that were most important while at the same time letting a number of players go.
Outgoings Create Space
Key departed players, including Tyrel Malacia, Casemiro, and Jadon Sancho, due to the expiration of their contracts, and Onana extended his loan with Trabzonspor for another season while the transfer of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli generated £38 million for United. These departures offered space for new signings.
A Midfield Rebuild
The headline of Red Devil's business so far has been the midfield.
Andrey Santos
The 22-year-old Andrey Santos is arriving after his impressive spells with Strasbourg and Chelsea in the last 3 years. His ability to recover possession, carry the ball forward, and contribute in both penalty areas gives United a dynamic option in midfield.
He impressed against Atlético Madrid and Rosenberg in preseason games in the role of holding midfielder along with Mason Mount.
Youri Tielemans
If Santos represents the future, Tielemans brings immediate experience to compete in the Premier League and Champions League. The Belgian international won the Europa League last season with Aston Villa, possessing Premier League experience, an excellent passing range, set-piece quality, and tactical intelligence.
His arrival can help to reduce the creative burden and dependency on Bruno Fernandes in the attack for big moments.
United has addressed their midfield issues in this window; Carrick now has midfielders capable of playing in different systems, allowing United to switch between double pivots, a midfield three, or a more attacking setup depending on the opponent.
Goalkeeping Depth Addressed
United also signed experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
While he is unlikely to challenge for the No. 1 shirt, Darlow provides reliable cover and leadership, ensuring United have experienced depth throughout a demanding campaign.
What Still Needs Work?
Despite a good start, Manchester United should address the left-back issue, as Luke Shaw's injury record means United still requires reliable competition.
United could also strengthen their attacking options.
Additional pace and creativity out wide would reduce the burden on their current forwards, while another striker would provide depth across a long campaign.
As things stand, Manchester United have addressed some of their biggest weaknesses, but the coming weeks will determine whether this rebuild is enough to turn them into genuine Premier League title contenders.